Tulsa Dominates from Start-to-Finish in 93-66 Win Over East Carolina

Thursday, March 5

Greenville, N.C.

6 p.m.

Tulsa

24-6,12-5American

East Carolina

11-19,6-11American

Tulsa

East Carolina

Photo by: Edward Harimoto

Tulsa Dominates from Start-to-Finish in 93-66 Win Over East Carolina

3/5/2026 8:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. — Tulsa scored the first basket of the game on an 8-0 run and never looked back in a 93-66 victory over East Carolina at Minges Coliseum on Thursday. The Golden Hurricane improved to 24-6 on the season, its first 24-win season since 2008-09. It was the team's ninth conference win by double digits this season.

Tylen Riley led Tulsa with 16 points and recorded seven assists while also contributing three steals. Ade Popoola scored 14 points, converting six of nine field goal attempts. Tyler Behrend matched Popoola's scoring with 14 points, making five of six shots from the field and adding three assists. Miles Barnstable also tallied 14 points, connecting on five field goals and converting three free throws.

Tulsa opened the first half with a strong offensive performance, quickly establishing a 6-0 lead with layups by Popoola and Riley, both assisted by teammates. Barnstable contributed with fast-break points, converting two free throws and a layup, to extend Tulsa's lead to 8-0 by 18:11. East Carolina struggled to keep pace, with Giovanni Emejuru scoring their first point from the line at 17:53. Tulsa maintained their momentum, with Behrend and Romad Dean hitting key 3-pointers, driving the visiting team to a 53-28 advantage by the end of the half. Tulsa's defense forced nine turnovers, while its offense capitalized on fast-break opportunities, scoring 17 points in transition. Jordan Riley led the Pirates with several attempts to close the gap, but the team trailed significantly at the break.

Tulsa established dominance in the second half with a strong offensive performance, outscoring East Carolina 40-38 in the half. Popoola led the charge, contributing crucial baskets including a layup at the 8:08 mark. Riley was instrumental, notching multiple assists and scoring efficiently, including a layup with 7:26 remaining. The Pirates' Corey Caulker responded with several 3-pointers, but the host team struggled to close the gap. The Golden Hurricane's defense capitalized on turnovers, helping secure the victory by maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the half.

Tulsa finishes the regular season on Sunday as they host Temple on Senior Day in the Reynolds Center.

Visit www.TulsaHurricane.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans can also follow the team on X, Facebook and Instagram.